Best Practices for Large-Enrollment Online Courses: Instructor Engagement

Edna Pressler, PhD
Apr 28, 2020
2 min read

Updated: Jan 17, 2023

by Edna Pressler

When student enrollment increases significantly in an online course, instructors are well-advised to consider changes in three domains: instructor engagement with students; student engagement with peers; and assessment of student performance. Here we offer best practices for instructor engagement with students through presence and communication.

Presence

Although online courses are accessible 24/7, instructors cannot always be available. Use the following strategies to support students efficiently and effectively in a large-enrollment course.

Use (captioned) video introductions, mini-lectures, and weekly announcements:

Instructor videos help students to feel connected to the course and their instructor. Use them to provide introductions, mini-lectures, weekly announcements, and/or additional explanation to address any areas of confusion.

Create a space for student introductions:

Instructors can build a sense of community and connection by designating a discussion forum for student introductions. Ask students to address a number of questions using either text with an image or video. If students share their interests and goals, this information may also inform instructor decisions on what to include or emphasize over the course of the semester.

Offer scheduled office hours using Zoom:

Schedule and record two sessions to accommodate various schedules and time zones, ideally based on poll results of student availability. Prepare discussion questions to identify areas of confusion and/or ask students to bring questions related to a particular topic or assignment. If the number of students who attend is large, consider muting all participants and taking questions through the chat function. Record and caption the session(s) for any students unable to attend. Virtual office hours by individual appointment can facilitate a more personal connection.

Provide a “frequently asked questions” (FAQ) page:

When students need an answer to continue their work, any delay in response can affect student motivation and performance. Providing a list of FAQs helps students locate the information they need without requiring repetitive email exchanges. Identify areas where students might be unclear or confused and give explanations. FAQs can also be used to emphasize important points in the syllabus or in assignment instructions.

Identify students at risk and reach out:

In a large-enrollment online course, use Moodle analytics to identify students who are not engaging or performing well so that you reach out to offer support and guidance.

Communication

Create a community forum:

Designate a discussion board for students to post questions that other students might have as well. Any questions addressed in the community forum may be added to the FAQ for future students.

Streamline requests for action:

To organize the process of receiving and responding to specific requests such as for a letter of recommendation or consideration of a grade change, use a tool like Microsoft Forms. Decide what information will be needed and build those categories into the form. All requests will be collated into a spreadsheet and students can receive an automatic email notification that their request was received.

Include reflection opportunities:

Motivation and retention improve when students understand how course content connects with their personal and professional goals. Including reflection prompts after an activity, assignment, or assessment will help students articulate the connections and will help instructors see the impact of their teaching.